Easy Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe – Delicious & Quick

Bow Tie Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, a vibrant dish that whispers of summer picnics and lively gatherings. There’s something inherently cheerful about the elegant, butterfly-shaped pasta, isn’t there? It cradles creamy dressings and chunky mix-ins with an effortless grace, making every forkful a delightful surprise. What truly sets this Bow Tie Pasta Salad apart is its incredible versatility. Whether you’re craving a refreshing vegetarian delight packed with crisp vegetables and zesty herbs, or a heartier version with grilled chicken or savory beef salami, this recipe can adapt to your every whim. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish, allowing flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring your next event is a culinary triumph without the last-minute stress. Get ready to discover your new go-to for any occasion!

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces bow tie pasta, dry
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1 cup bocconcini cheese, halved
• 1 cup spinach, packed, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup basil, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons pesto
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Cooking the Pasta

We’ll start by getting our bow tie pasta perfectly cooked. This is the foundation of a great Bow Tie Pasta Salad, so don’t rush this step!

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. The water should taste like the sea, so don’t be shy with the salt – this is your only chance to season the pasta itself from the inside out.
2. Once the water is at a vigorous boil, carefully add the 12 ounces of dry bow tie pasta. Stir immediately to prevent the pasta from sticking together at the bottom of the pot.
3. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, typically around 9 to 11 minutes, until it is al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will result in a mushy salad, and nobody wants that.
4. While the pasta is cooking, prepare an ice bath in a large bowl. Fill a separate large bowl with ice cubes and cold water. This is crucial for stopping the cooking process the moment the pasta is done, preserving its perfect al dente texture.
5. As soon as the pasta reaches the al dente stage, drain it immediately in a colander. Then, plunge the drained pasta into the prepared ice bath. Stir it around for a minute or two to cool it down quickly and thoroughly. This step is key to achieving a salad where the pasta pieces remain distinct and don’t clump together.
6. Once the pasta is completely cooled, drain it very well, shaking the colander to remove as much excess water as possible. You can also spread the pasta out on a clean kitchen towel to air dry for a few minutes if you have the time; this ensures no watery residue dilutes our delicious dressing later.

Assembling the Salad

Now for the fun part – bringin extractg all those vibrant ingredients together to create our beautiful Bow Tie Pasta Salad!

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled and thoroughly drained bow tie pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes and the finely diced red onion. The bright red of the tomatoes and the sharp bite of the onion add wonderful color and flavor contrast.
2. Gently fold in the halved bocconcini cheese and the finely chopped spinach. The spinach will wilt slightly from the residual warmth of the pasta, which is perfectly fine and helps integrate its flavor. If you prefer crispier spinach, you can add it in just before serving.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the pesto, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. This creates our simple yet incredibly flavorful dressing. Taste this dressing and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Remember that the pesto already has salt, so adjust accordingly. The lemon juice adds a bright, zesty note that cuts through the richness of the pesto and cheese.
4. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture in the large bowl. Add the finely chopped fresh basil at this stage. The basil adds a burst of herbaceous aroma and flavor that is essential for a classic pasta salad.
5. Gently toss all the ingredients together using salad tongs or two large spoons, ensuring that everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can break down the pasta and bocconcini. The goal is to distribute the flavors evenly while keeping the ingredients intact and visually appealing.
6. Once everything is well combined and looks wonderfully colorful, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. For the best flavor, I recommend refrigerating the Bow Tie Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully before serving. This resting period is key to developing a cohesive and delicious salad.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a vibrant and delicious Bow Tie Pasta Salad, ready to be the star of your next gathering or a satisfying meal any day of the week! We’ve explored a simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe that’s adaptable to your personal tastes. This Bow Tie Pasta Salad is perfect served chilled as a refreshing side dish at barbecues, picnics, or potlucks. It also makes for a fantastic light lunch or a quick weeknight dinner, especially when paired with some grilled chicken or a crusty bread.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your own additions! Consider incorporating other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes. For a protein boost, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out some of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing, or add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor. We encourage you to make this Bow Tie Pasta Salad your own. Enjoy the process and the delightful results!

Frequently Asked Questions about Bow Tie Pasta Salad:

Can I make this Bow Tie Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s often better when made a few hours ahead of time. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

What can I do if I don’t have mayonnaise?

If you’re out of mayonnaise, you have several options! A good substitute is plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter dressing. You can also use a combination of olive oil and lemon juice, or even a creamy Italian dressing. Adjust the seasonings to your preference.

Easy Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe – Delicious & Quick

A quick and delicious bow tie pasta salad packed with fresh vegetables, cheese, and a vibrant pesto dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
45 Minutes

Servings
6-8 servings

Ingredients

• 12 ounces bow tie pasta, dry
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1 cup bocconcini cheese, halved
• 1 cup spinach, packed, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup basil, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons pesto
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Cook bow tie pasta in generously salted boiling water until al dente, then immediately drain and plunge into an ice bath to stop the cooking. Drain very well and pat dry.
2. Step 2
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with halved cherry tomatoes and diced red onion.
3. Step 3
   Gently fold in the halved bocconcini cheese and finely chopped spinach.
4. Step 4
   In a small bowl, whisk together pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Step 5
   Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and add the finely chopped basil. Gently toss to combine.
6. Step 6
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.